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Teaching children a lifelong hobby, instilling appreciation for our marine environment, and providing a fun, family outing are the objectives of the Cape Canaveral Kids’ Fishing Clinic.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Florida Foundation for Responsible Angling, the Canaveral Port Authority and the Sport Fish Restoration Program will offer the free Kids’ Fishing Clinic for children between the ages of 4 and 16, Saturday, June 28. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and close at noon. The clinic will be at the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal No. 3.
The clinic enables young people to learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills and safety. In addition, environmental displays will provide participants with a unique chance to experience Florida’s marine life firsthand.
Kids’ Fishing Clinics strive toward several goals, but the main objective is to create responsible marine resource stewards by teaching children about the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems. In addition, the clinics teach fundamental saltwater fishing skills and provide participants with a positive fishing experience.
Fishing equipment and bait will be supplied for children to use during the clinic, but those who own fishing tackle are encouraged to bring it. A limited number of rods and reels will be given away to participants upon completion of the clinic.
If conditions allow, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills and fish from the dock. This event is a photo catch-and-release activity, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Individuals or companies interested in helping to sponsor this event or volunteer at the clinic should contact Skip Harris at 321-459-2857 or Gus Cancro with the FWC at 850-488-6058.
I would like to let you know how much I appreciate all of the sponsors who donate on the behalf of children’s dreams. This event means so much to our community, it was apparent how much it means when waited in line for two hours with my “just shy of three year old” son. This event was all that he could talk about for the past week. I was shocked when we finally reached the registration table and I was asked if my son was four yet and I said “no, almost three though” I was told sorry you must be four to take part in this event! I was unsure how to even reply to that statement, however I simply stated that the flyer I had received said free fishing clinic for kids ages 16 and under. I stood there for a few moments thinking maybe I was going to be let in so my son could at least watch some other kids fish! But no, I was asked to leave. I walked away with my completely confused two year old, and yes I had some explaining to do but I let him know it was not his fault it was his fathers fault who had not done enough research on the clinic. The kicker didn’t come until today, (Sunday the day after the clinic) I was reading the Florida today and there was an article on the clinic, the headlining photo read “starting young Linda and her son two years of age, of Merritt Island fish for the big one “ as you could believe I was not to impressed. Words can not express how I feel how I felt when I was asked to leave the clinic line after being there for two hours and I just hope that my son was the only child that missed out on this perfect day. I hope in the future everyone will be on the same page. If there was a minimum age maybe putting it on the flyer would not be a bad idea! My thoughts are that if a two year old expresses interest in fishing let that child fish. Even though I had an extremely unpleasant experience I still believe this is a great cause and I do appreciate greatly that this kids clinic exists!